Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
Author: Molly Harper
Publisher: Pocket Star (March 31, 2009)

Booklist review: Jane Jameson’s mama said there’d be days like this. Fired as the children’s librarian in Half Moon Hollow, Kentucky; broken-down car late at night. But mama didn’t think about the possibility of Jane getting shot by a deer hunter and left for dead. Or being made the undead by Gabriel Nightengale so she’d have a second chance at, well, life. Adjusting to life without chocolate and sunbathing—never mind a job—has its challenges, but sexy Gabriel is one major perk. If only she can figure out how to tell her parents about her new liquid diet. And who is trying to frame her for murder? Harper arrives on the scene with a chuckle-inducing, southern-fried version of Stephanie Plum’s the Burg. This tale, the first in a series, is less about twisting plots and more about following quirky characters, human and vampire alike. Jane is smartly written and more than a librarian in name only. Fellow pros will recognize the trivia-loving geekiness and well-meaning sarcasm of someone who has long lived in the book stacks. --Nina C. Davis

My Thoughts: It is nice to start the new year laughing. This book was reminiscent of Stephanie Plum (created by Janet Evanovich) for the comletely outrageous things that happen to her but also of Queen Betsy (created by MaryJanice Davidson) because of the snarky comments and even Sookie Stackhouse (created by Charlaine Harris) because of the Southern ambience.

I love books that have librarians as main characters. Jane is a great smart-mouthed example. Her way with words frequently had me chuckling. For example: Jane is using the gift certificate to Shenanigans that she received instead of severance pay and buys an electric lemonade.

"For those unfamiliar with the beverage, picture a glass of Country Time that looks like Windex and makes your face numb."

or

We eventually wandered into a discussion of English literature. Gabriel expressed affection for Robert Burns, whom I deemed "too lazy to spell correctly." I would feel bad but he called my beloved Ms. Austen a "repressed, uptight spinster." I was provoked. We called and truce and decided to discuss a much more neutral subject, religion.

or

Vampires have bright eyes, glistening white teeth, unnaturally smooth skin, and a certain animal magnetism. If they aren't pretty, they starve. It's sort of like life in Los Angeles.

One character describes his mother as "the heat-seeking missile of motherhood." The book is filled with little, descriptive gems that I just wish I could have thought of. This was a fun read and I am looking forward to reading about the further adventures of Jane Jameson.

I have Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men and Nice Girls Don't Live Forever waiting on my Kindle.

This book is being used in these book challenges: RYOB Challenge, TBR Challenge, 2010 E Book Challenge and the Read Into the New Year Challenge.